SAF task group to help counter piracy in Gulf of Aden
By Hasnita A Majid, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 10 April 2009 1655 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Singapore has sent a task group of some 240 men from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to help the international community combat piracy in the Gulf of Aden.

Taking part in the three-month deployment are a Singapore Navy Landing Ship Tank and the RSS Persistence with two Super Puma helicopters on board.

The group, led by Colonel Bernard Miranda, Commander of 3rd Flotilla, consists of personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Mindef says the SAF task group will operate under the ambit of the multinational Combined Task Force 151. It will conduct sector patrols to deter pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden and respond to calls for assistance from ships encountering pirate attacks.

Chief of Navy, Rear-Admiral (RADM) Chew Men Leong, officiated at the send-off ceremony held at the Changi Naval Base Thursday evening.

He said Singapore shares the concerns of the international community regarding the situation in the Gulf of Aden, and supports international efforts to keep the sea lanes safe and secure.

Such international cooperation, carried out in accordance with international law, demonstrates the important roles that user states can play to complement the efforts of littoral states to combat piracy and create a safe maritime environment in key sea lanes.

- CNA/yt